Originally Posted by AnotherPilot

I'm currently working on 4 year degree and flight training, and as of now will probably start flight instructing in a year to build hours.

The military route or experience has crossed my mind several times and I am willing to seriously consider it. I really don't know anything about choosing to go this way. And I'm stubborn and really don't feel like committing unless I'm confident I will get a fixed-wing flying job.

I've heard in the ANG you can know what you will fly before training, is this accurate? Yes, each ANG unit hires individually. So, you only fly what they have, C-17, F-16, etc.

Would I need to enlist and commit to 6 years before having any options? Not really. Before you go to AMS (OTS for the guard) you must enlist. You will go to AMS as a SSGT and be a 2LT 6 weeks later. It is not necessary to enlist before being offered a pilot slot. At some units it may help you get an interview but no guarantees.

If I enlist now what am I going to be doing for the ANG while I'm in school? Depends on the enlisted career field you sign on for. One bonus is many state schools offer free or reduced tuiton to guard members.

Can someone explain what I will need to do chronologically to get to flying for them? Most units won't select a UPT candidate unless they are within 1 year of finishing college. So you need: 3+ years of college, take the AFOQT and BAT, get a Class 1 physical (military, not FAA). You would need to contact each unit individually to get specifics, but that should be what most are looking for. Flight time always helps. Most require at least a PPL. I've seen selectees have from 50 to 3000 hours.

I'm definitely open to other military options as well, I just have the impression there is less of a guarantee for flying jobs in other divisions.

After I was done serving what kind of hours would I have? (I guess specifically PIC turbine)
Depends on whether you go fighters or heavies. You won't log PIC as a fighter guy till you hit RTU. Plan on about 200 hrs a year on average. You have a 10 year commitment AFTER getting your wings (UPT is a year). It's not all full-time but plan on being tied to the military for at least 11 years once you start flight training.


Any help is much appreciated, this is just what's on the top of my mind.